Santa Margarita

Coach: Tim O’Hara (third year).

1996: 17-1, 9-1 in the Sea View League; won the Southern Section team championship, finished second at CIF-SCGA tournament.

Key returners: Nate Blauer, second-team all-county, Sr.; Kelly Craig, first-team all-county, Sr.; Jimmy Dunn, Jr.; Nicholas Fritz, Sr.; Jimmy Pittenger, Jr.; Brad Meer, Sr.

Key newcomers: Tom Osseck, Jr.; George Blair, Sr.; Brandon Riggs, Sr.; Scott Henderson, Jr.; Steve Convay, Fr.; Mike Farrell, Fr.

Outlook: The Eagles will get an early test when they open the season today against Sunny Hills at Coto de Caza. If anything, look for the Eagles to be stronger, despite the graduation of county player of the year Steve Wagner. Four starters return, including Craig, who finished third individually at the CIF-SCGA tournament, and Blauer, who played in the U.S. Amateur last summer. This school always has a surplus of strong players and Osseck, Laguna Hills’ No. 1 player last year, is expected to bolster the lineup. “These kids will be disappointed if they don’t win,” O’Hara said. “Obviously they are good enough to win it. Hopefully, we’ll be on that day.”